Tony Fontanelle, Head Coach

Tony Fontanelle was named as Mars Hill College’s head women’s volleyball coach on February 17, 2004.

Fontanelle came to Mars Hill from Lees-McRae College, a NCAA Division II institution and a member of the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference (CVAC).

Fontanelle was named Director of Volleyball Operations and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Lees-McRae College in June of 2002. Fontanelle came to Lees-McRae from Waldwick, New Jersey. In his first year at Lees-McRae he led his team to the CVAC and to the NCAA Championship Tournament. The Bobcats’ made school history when they advanced to the NCAA Regional semi-finals where they lost to the eventual Regional champions.

At Bloomfield College his team repeated back-to-back conference and regional titles and made two appearances at the NAIA Nationals. During their last appearance at the NAIA Nationals they earned a seventh place finish. Coach Fontanelle was also the Technical Director for the Cut Shot Volleyball Club out of New Jersey. Besides his directorship duties, he led his 18’s team to two Regional Championships; two second place finishes; three seasons of undefeated regional play; and a 13th place finish at the Olympic Junior Nationals.

Fontanelle is also a USAV National Official. He has worked throughout the country officiating many Division I, II and III collegiate matches and USAV National Championships. His officiating career was highlighted by working the NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four in both 1998 and 1999.

Coach Fontanelle has over 13 years of coaching experience including being a member of the Gold Medal Squared Camp Staff. His mentors are coaches from the USA National Arena, where most of his techniques and teaching methods are derived.